© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Charles and Camilla
Happy birthday to the Prince of Wales! Prince Charles celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday evening, with a lavish party at Buckingham Palace. While the royal bash was a private affair, fans were able to catch a glimpse of the royals arriving at the Queen's London home in their chauffeur-driven cars. The birthday boy rode in the same car as his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, while the Queen waited at the palace to greet her son.
As the Prince and the Duchess zoomed past, photographers flashed their cameras, managing to sneak a peek of the couple. Charles looked dapper in a black tuxedo, while Camilla, 71, was lovely in a navy blue Bruce Oldfield gown.
Other royals who attended the glitzy bash included Charles' sons Prince William and Prince Harry, with their wives Kate and Meghan. The future King's siblings – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – were also among the guests. Meanwhile, members of European royal families also made an appearance, from Crown Princess Mary of Denmark to King Juan Carlos of Spain.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen delivered a touching toast for her son Prince Charles, seen here posing with wife Camilla ahead of the birthday dinner. In front of guests, which included the royal family and members from royal families across Europe, the mother-of-four said: "It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like —to use an analogy I am certain will find favour — planting a tree and being able to watch it grow."
She continued: "My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out. Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader — a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history — and a wonderful father. Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original. To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales."
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
The Danish royals confirmed their attendance a few weeks ago, and on Wednesday evening, Mary looked ultra-glam. The couple have a good relationship with Prince Charles and Camilla, as well as Prince William and Kate, while Frederik also attended Prince Harry's Invictus Games last month.
Copyright: Mark Stewart
© Photo: InstagramThe couple shared a picture ahead of the dinner, showing off their outfits. Princess Mary chose a gorgeous one-shoulder velvet gown whilst Prince Frederik looked dapper in a tuxedo.
King Juan Carlos of Spain
Juan Carlos represented the Spanish royal family, as his son King Felipe and Felipe's wife Queen Letizia were on a state visit to Peru.
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Queen Sofia of Spain
King Juan Carlos' wife Sofia was also pictured arriving at the bash in a green gown, clutching on to her invite.
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Queen Mathilde of Belgium
The Belgian queen, who arrived with her husband King Philippe, wore her most exquisite jewels to the party. The couple were last reunited with Charles for a public engagement in July 2017.
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Queen Rania of Jordan
One of the most elegant royals of our time, Rania looked stunning as she arrived at the palace do.
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King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway
Among the royal guests were King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, who wore a demure, purple dress.
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Prince Albert of Monaco
Unaccompanied by his wife Princess Charlene, Albert gave a cheery wave to the cameras as he drove into the palace.
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Lady Frederick Windsor
Lord Frederick Windsor's wife Sophie was also on the guest list. Her husband is the son of Prince Michael of Kent - the Queen's first cousin.
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Samuel Chatto
Lady Sarah Chatto's son Samuel, 22, was also snapped in his car. The former University of Edinburgh student, whose grandmother was Princess Margaret, looked smart in a tuxedo.
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Lady Gabriella Windsor
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor was driven to the party by her fiance Tom Kingston. The couple announced their engagement in September, after Tom proposed on the island of Sark over the summer.
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The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg
Henri and Maria Teresa were also pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in high spirits as they arrived at Buckingham Palace. Kate was the epitome of elegance in what looked to be a one-shoulder gown with statement earrings and wearing her brown hair in an updo. The couple had spent the day in South Yorkshire, visiting the McLaren factory and a hostel run by Centrepoint charity, but were back in London for the early evening.
A closer look at Kate's stunning pink dress.
Copyright: James Whatling
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry and Meghan
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are expecting their first child in the spring, were also on hand to celebrate Charles' big day. Meghan looked ultra-glam with perfect makeup and borrowed dazzling diamond earrings she first wore during the royal tour last month. Harry, meanwhile, was dapper in a tuxedo.
© Photo: PAPrincess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
The newlyweds were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace, having departed from their Kensington Palace home minutes earlier. It was the couple's first gathering with the whole family following their honeymoon. Princess Eugenie looked gorgeous with her hair in loose waves, whilst wearing a teal dress.
The newlywed wore the Roland Mouret 'Chorley' draped one-shoulder cotton-blend gown to her uncle's dinner.
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Princess Beatrice
Princess Eugenie's older sister Princess Beatrice was driven in another car.
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© Photo: PAZara and Mike Tindall
The couple drove themselves to the special dinner; it was no doubt a big family affair with everyone present.
The Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent, who is first cousins with the Queen, was also in attendance. The Duke often carries out engagements on behalf of the monarch. He is a regular on the royal circuit, attending big family events such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Day services, Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace and most recently, Princess Eugenie's royal wedding in October.
Copyright: James Whatling
The Duchess of Kent
The Duke was accompanied by his wife Katharine.
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Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
The Queen has a good relationship with her first cousin Prince Michael, who was invited to the party with his wife Princess Michael. The Prince occasionally stands in for the Queen at engagements in the Commonwealth.
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